My name is Cassandra, but you can call me Cass

Growing up and coming from an Italian background, food was always the center point of most gatherings. Many of my family members were so overweight, and there was no sense of health and well being. I watched as family members would solve every issue with food. Many of my cousins became obese and now suffer from debilitating disorders. I didn’t want to be that person, so from a young age eating right and exercising were always at the forefront.

After graduating from college I entered law enforcement, where being fit was imperative to survival. I had to be strong, fast, fit, and ready to rock at a moment’s notice. As the years went by I noticed that more and more of my co-workers were not fit or healthy and the stress of the job was taking a toll on them. I did not want to be that person. So again I went on a search for who I wanted to be…..

Years later, as I continued to work out and eat right I met my husband, another law enforcement officer (yeah I know surprising ). My SWAT guy/ veteran Marine is as fit as they come. We were a match made in heaven. We worked out together, ran races together, and motivated each other. After a few years together I had my daughter.

Last year my husband went overseas as a contractor for a year, leaving me to run the household, raise our daughter, and work a full time job as a detective with on-call duties (with no family in the area). I got up every morning at 4am to workout regardless of the rough night we may have had. I took my daughter with me in the jogger when I could to the park or we rode on my bike with her in the bike seat. I did what I had to do because I am a mom and a wife and a strong woman. My determination and drive kept me going. Excuses were not something I would tolerate.

When my husband returned home, it was not 4fourmonths later that at the age of 47, fit and healthy as could be, that he had a heart attack. We almost lost him. I suppose that was my aha moment for beginning my journey into healthy heart eating, fitness, and my need to learn as much as I could and share the same with others out there. I wanted to let others know that although we may encounter struggles, we can overcome them with determination, focus and drive. All which come from within ourselves if we dig deep enough.

In March I found Fit Approach and loved what I was seeing. I found other pages that other like minded people were sharing and supporting. I fell in love and said “I can do this.” Hell, I already do.

Olivia is now 3. She keeps me going. I want to motivate her, inspire her and be her role model. I want my daughter to know that health is important, not “being skinny.”  I want her to be proud of her Mommy. My husband is my biggest fan. He always supports me in whatever crazy endeavor I begin. He eats all the healthy stuff I make, listens to all the information I bring to him and loves me through it all.

But! Before you walk away let me tell you one more thing, I love being challenged, I love competition. I am a foodie, I eat pasta, I drink wine, I am a football junkie ( I drink beer from a bottle). I believe in having fun, enjoying life. I believe in surrounding yourself with those who do the same and want the same.

My name is Cassandra, but you can call me Cass, because that is what my friends call me.

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Tags: aha moment, beer, family, fitness aha, football, healthy family, heart attack, inspiration